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FWPA invites research projects to benefit commercial forest growers

Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) invites RD&E proposals to advance research of benefit to Australia’s commercial forest growers. Source: Timberbiz

The call for proposals is aligned with FWPA’s:

  • Program 4 – Increasing resource availability and reducing risk
  • Program 3 – Assisting value chain optimisation; or
  • Program 5 – Impacting decision-making and industry capability.

FWPA’s forestry research, development and extension (RD&E) Investment Plans were developed in consultation with Australia’s commercial forest growers to inform investment in RD&E activities.

From the investment Plans, the Priority Topics were identified as the key targets for investment.

Proposals must either:

  1. Advance one or more Priority Topics identified in the Investment Plans, or
  2. Advance RD&E outside of the Priority Topics where the prospective researcher can demonstrate significant support by Australia’s commercial forest growers.

Successful proposals will reflect an understanding of the context and issues around the research topic as it impacts the sector.

For context and background on the Priority Topics, applicants are to refer to the Investment Plans.

Successful proposals will reflect an understanding of the current status of knowledge in relation to Priority Topics.

A list of relevant recent and current projects funded through FWPA is available.

Please note that there is no requirement to seek financial commitment from growers at this time. However, in-kind commitments and letters of support that demonstrate support from growers will be considered during proposal evaluation.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact FWPA’s Forest Research Manager (Jodie Mason on (+61) 427 357867 or [email protected] before 26 November 2021 to discuss project concepts and for referral to potentially interested growers.

Proposals must use FWPA’s Project Application 2021 form, with all fields required to be completed.

Appendix 1 of the Project Application 2021 form contains additional important information, which must be read in conjunction with this Call for Proposals.

Proposals must be submitted by emailing to [email protected] by 12 noon (Australian Eastern Daylight Time – AEDT) on 20 January 2022.

Applicants will be notified whether their proposal has been successful by early May 2022.